The EPA ordered that the owner of the farm, Lois Alt, needed to obtain a Clean Water Act permit for the stormwater that drained off of her farm. The agency threatened to fine her if she did not comply. Alt took the case to court, and the judge ruled in favor of her.

The EPA initially appealed the decision, but withdrew from court upon anticipation of losing the case.

“AFBF General Counsel Ellen Steen said: ‘By dropping its appeal, EPA presumably hopes to avoid a loss in the appellate court. EPA appears to be saying it will continue to enforce its position against other farmers, even though it’s not willing to defend that position in court.’”